March 25, 2024 at 06:23PM
The United States accused seven Chinese individuals, members of cyber-espionage group APT31, of hacking into critical infrastructure organizations’ computer networks, email accounts, and cloud storage. UK also alleged their involvement in email compromises. Both countries sanctioned a front company for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) and two of the accused. The US offered a reward for information leading to their arrest.
The meeting notes provide details about the United States accusing seven Chinese individuals of engaging in cyber-espionage activities targeting computer networks, email accounts, and cloud storage belonging to critical infrastructure organizations, companies, and individuals, including politicians and their political parties. The alleged spies are reportedly members of APT31, a cyber-espionage group affiliated with China’s Ministry of State Security. Both the UK and the US have taken action against the suspected group and a front company associated with the MSS. The US has issued an indictment against the seven defendants, with particular emphasis on their activities targeting individuals and organizations critical of the Chinese government. The report also mentions a proposal for the creation of a US Cyber Force to protect against online threats to national security. The detailed actions of the alleged cyber spies as described in the indictment include sending phishing emails, using custom malware to gain access to victims’ machines, and exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to access corporate networks and sensitive information. This information provides a comprehensive overview of the cyber-espionage activities and the countermeasures being considered.